Saw this posted on another forum. No doubt now it is in the media there is potential for copycats too.

Test Ride Bike Bandit Strikes Again!A serial bike thief is preying on victims selling bikes on Gumtree in Victoria.It is alleged that a con artist*is scamming*sellers of high-end bikes advertised for sale on Gumtree, by posing as a legitimate purchaser and stealing the bikes during a purported test ride.* Consistent with each theft is that the male contacts the seller via text before arranging an inspection of the bike. * During the inspection he asks to take the bike for a test ride and offers his mobile phone, wallet and keys as security. *On three occasions he has left behind an activated pre-paid mobile phone connected in a false name.The male has now stolen five bikes from Sandringham, St Kilda, Carlton, Armadale and Brighton since October 2016, with the last two thefts occuring in a 3 day period.The latest bike stolen is a Specialized S Works Enduro Moutain Bike, stolen from Brighton on Friday 17 February 2016. *Following his normal course of conning the seller to believe he is a genuine purchaser the male arrived wearing a pair of cycling shoes and brought with him a set of clip on pedals to fit to the bike. * After fitting the pedals he requested to take the bike for a test ride and offered his mobile phone, wallet and keys as security. *The victim opted to only take the keys, believing they were for a car parked out the front of the premises. *The male then road off on the bike. *The keys were later found to be unrelated to the car."

When I go for a test ride at a bike store where I am unknown .. they usually ask for my drivers licence as security. (If they know me .. no problem... I just go for a ride)That is what I would do for a private sale - drivers licence ... just be certain to check the photo and expiry date. If they are going to steal the bike they may well have stolen wallets, phones and keys.

I live at the bottom of a steep gorge. Most folk ride down my driveway, round the cul-de-sac and bust a lung making it back to my drive I had one fellow almost make it half way up my street before turning back. If Mr "Test Ride Thief" were to pay a visit, I reckon I'd have a fair chance of catching him on foot unless he's wearing a polka dot jersey!

I don't let my bikes (pedal or motorcycle) out of my sight. Unfortunately too many problems if a "buyer" drops it, does a runner, has a crash... Keys, ID, and licences too easily faked.

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